Breaking News

Editorial

Pulling trailer or camper? Here’s some guidelines

With summer travel in full swing — and many headed north to enjoy some quality recreation time outdoors — regional law enforcement has provided some safety tips for those with trailers and campers in tow. “State Patrol troopers and inspectors are on the roads every day to make sure travelers get to their destination safely,” Wisconsin State Patrol Superintendent Tim Carnahan said in a news release. “Drivers have the biggest role in travel safety and should be checking load securement, trailer connections, and weight and dimension limits when planning a trip with a trailer or ...

Watch for Adopt-A-Highway groups

It’s again time for groups of volunteers to walk along Michigan’s highways, graciously picking up the trash and other discarded items thoughtlessly left behind by others. Beginning today, motorists should be on the lookout as Adopt-A-Highway volunteers fan out across Michigan for the second of three scheduled collections in 2025. The statewide pickup will continue through Sunday, July 20. Adopt-A-Highway is a Michigan Department of Transportation program designed to help keep the state’s roadsides and ditches clean and attractive. Participants adopt both sides of a section of ...

Depression not just a bad day

Ever have a downright terrible day? You’re concerned about financial problems at home, and your boss is pushing you to get that project done earlier than expected, then your car breaks down and you’ve got no way to take your kid to her basketball game. Sounds like a day that might make you feel pretty frustrated or helpless. But what if you felt frustrated, or helpless or anxious every day? It could be a sign of depression. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention properly notes that depression is “more than just feeling down or having a bad day.” Instead, the CDC ...

Superior is unforgiving: always safety first

Lake Superior's beauty is one of the things that draws people to Superiorland. Record numbers of visitors have traveled to the U.P. in recent years to enjoy the beauty of the big lake. The shores of Lake Superior is also a draw for Northern Michigan University students. But along with the pull of the lake, there is also a warning. Local officials say they want NMU students and visitors alike to enjoy the lake, but she must also be respected. Lake Superior water temperatures are cold as a rule. And cold water, as in 55 degrees or lower, can have severe consequences for the human ...

New older Americans tax deduction explained

In a news release Thursday, the Social Security Administration applauded passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill, a massive tax and spending cuts package praised by Republicans as a win for the American people and a boost for the economy. “The bill ensures that nearly 90% of Social Security beneficiaries will no longer pay federal income taxes on their benefits,” the Social Security news release states. It’s an apparent attempt to affirm President Donald Trump’s pledge to end taxes on Social Security. The president signed the legislation Friday. A summary of the impact on ...

Scammers at it again

The scammers are once again plying their unsavory trade. According to state officials, the scam goes like this: an official-looking letter arrives asking the recipient to immediately contact a toll-free number to resolve their outstanding state tax debt. The letter threatened to seize the taxpayer’s assets — including property, bank accounts and income — if the state tax debt isn't settled. The piece of correspondence, according to a state press release, appeared credible to the taxpayer because it used specific personal facts about their real outstanding tax debt that was ...